British Evangelical Hymnody

The early part of the 18th century saw the gradual introduction of true hymns into both the Anglican Church as well as dissenting/separatist congregations. This was instigated with the extraordinary efforts of Isaac Watts and the "school" of British hymn writers who imitated him (SWU, 133-135). By mid to late 18th century the Methodists, John and Charles Wesley dominated British hymnody along with their imitators.

It is difficult to simplify the cultural and theological struggles of England in the mid 1700's. However, there were significant theological differences between the Armenian Methodists as represented by the Wesleys and the Calvinist Methodists as represented by George Whitefiled and Augustus Toplady.

Whitefield had originally been part of the "Oxford Holy Club" -- the Methodists -- but eventually diverged from the Wesleys over the issue of Predestination. Whitefield was a powerful preacher and his influence was eventually felt in Wales, located in the western part of England. Welsh hymnody became a distinct genre of English hymnody and a tradition which was established in the late 1700's is still VERY active today.

Collectively, hymns and hymn singing traditions which were established by Charles and John Wesley, along with their detractors, Augustus Toplady and other Calvinist Methodists became known as "EVANGELICAL" hymnody.

See:

Wesleyan Hymnody

Augustus Toplady

Welsh Hymnody

Olney Hymns

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